Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
Latest
Last month
July 2026
On The 42that's a wrap
World Cup 2026: Where the beautiful game and the great swindle existed side by side
The football may have stolen the show, but we cannot forget ticketing rip-off, crass commercialism and disgraceful treatment of some players and officials.
Start spreading the news
Brilliance of Spain overcomes an Argentine belligerence with nothing left to give
Spain come through endurance test because of the belief in their quality and a deep trust in each other.
Preview
A World Cup final that promises tears, raging fury and intense desire
Argentina have revelled in madness and Messi’s genius while Spain’s collective is now strengthened by the prodigious Lamine Yamal.
World Cup Final
Emotion fuels sense of destiny for Argentina but Rodri's redemption is at heart of Spain story
Midfielder has reemerged as the best in the world during this tournament after overcoming adversity on and off pitch.
2026 world cup
Lionel Messi keeps the magic of youth and possibility alive for all of us
Argentina star has helped to change what we all believe to be true from formative World Cup experiences.
It's Not Coming Home
The fallout: Tuchel defiant, a Malvinas flag and Messi-Bellingham confrontation
A new chapter of chaos and drama has been written in the England-Argentina rivalry.
Analysisspirit
Thomas Tuchel and England's timid retreat as Argentina show true greatness
Lionel Messi inspires stunning comeback as world champions set up clash with Spain on Sunday.
spirit
Thomas Tuchel and England's timid retreat as Argentina show true greatness
Lionel Messi inspires stunning comeback as world champions set up clash with Spain on Sunday.
Soccer
England's chance to transcend old tropes and forge new identity in World Cup
Semi-final clash with Argentina will be a contest defined by the past with a place in the final on the line.
Complete
Spain find stride with ruthless precision to wake us all up to glorious possibilities
On Bastille Day, France delivered their worst performance of tournament as rivals storm into World Cup final.
Different Class
Latest chapter of Mbappé-Yamal chronicles will shine light on World Cup destiny
Both have suffered on and off the pitch over the last two years and find themselves in different places to Euro 2024 semi-final.
World Cup Diary
Final week of World Cup will be defined by genius and force of will
Goodbye to the posers and grafters of Miami as tournament rounds off in Dallas, Atlanta and New Jersey.
World Cup Diary
Final week of World Cup will be defined by genius and force of will
Goodbye to the posers and grafters of Miami as tournament rounds off in Dallas, Atlanta and New Jersey.
tetchy'We’ve tried to create a positive environment, we should continue that' - Jude Bellingham on Thomas Tuchel criticism
Ouch
If World Cup is about connection, Norway will feel they just got a slap in the face
Controversial defeat in Miami as Jude Bellingham relishes chance to become England’s leading man.
Rise and shine
This World Cup has given us an Erling Haaland we can finally enjoy
The keys to stopping Norway striker are concentration, positioning and physicality, but even that might not be enough.
Sensational
Kylian Mbappe continues godly replication of Lionel Messi with another goal from heavens
France make light work of Morocco in a manner which suggests hardship is not a necessity for World Cup success.
Last Eight
The tears, fears and sense of rejuvenation for World Cup quarter-finalists
Do not be fooled by what your eyes make you believe, something improbable is lurking around the corner.
Comment
Focus shifts as pressure grows on Gianni Infantino over Folarin Balogun controversy
Belgium cruise to 4-1 win over United States but Fifa president has allowed this World Cup spiral over the last 48 hours.
Epic
England survive frightening and exhilarating grip of Azteca to breathe life into their World Cup
up close
Inside Cape Verde's bittersweet World Cup exit: What Messi said to Pico, the ambassador's son and shots of Grogue
The 42 gets an invitation to team hotel for night of reflection and celebration of powerful journey in the United States.
Political Football
Donald Trump makes presence felt by bringing this World Cup into disrepute
US president’s lobbying to allow striker Folarin Balogun to play is shameful.
Epic
England survive frightening and exhilarating grip of Azteca to breathe life into their World Cup
If they can come through this, Thomas Tuchel will feel possibilities are now endless for his side.
Epic
England survive frightening and exhilarating grip of Azteca to breathe life into their World Cup
If they can come through this, Thomas Tuchel will feel possibilities are now endless for his side.
World Cup Diary
Miami to Mexico with America 250 squeezed in: Cape Verde change everything as all eyes turn to England
Business end of the tournament closing in as glory comes closer over the horizon.
up close
Inside Cape Verde's bittersweet World Cup exit: What Messi said to Pico, the ambassador's son and shots of Grogue
The 42 gets an invitation to team hotel for night of reflection and celebration of powerful journey in the United States.
Historic
World Cup game for the ages ensures spirit of Pico Lopes and Cape Verde will never die
World champions Argentina come out on top in extra time of a 3-2 thriller in Miami.
Flying High
From a campervan to private jet: Pico Lopes story reaches new heights ahead of Messi showdown
Cape Verde face Argentina in World Cup round of 32 on Friday with two countries coming together to support League of Ireland stalwart.
cranking up
This World Cup is threatening to become a classic of the genre
Old aristocracies faltered as where once they gorged, now they merely looked bloated relics of the past.
king kane
England's World Cup mission is simple: protect Harry Kane at all costs
For a country that has turned its national sport into a billion-pound industry, they still somehow make themselves look like paupers when the world is watching.
Preview
As Haaland scores and Mbappe soars, will England finally take flight at World Cup?
France take knockout stages by storm as Thomas Tuchel says defeats for other big European countries can calm his side down.
June
June 2026
CAS IS KING
Vulnerable but with a titanium spirit: Casemiro is the symbol of this Brazil team
For 45 minutes Japan had them just where they wanted, then Carlo Ancelotti worked his magic.
World Cup Diary
Goodbye to Boston with Harvard's wild turkeys and a Fenway stroll, but is this really America?
Soccer
Pico Lopes prepares for Messi as family scramble to return for World Cup history
Cape Verde star’s mother and father flew back to Dublin due to work commitments but have secured time off to try make it back to Miami.
have your say